CT Thru-Hike Partner

imported
#1

I am planning a CT thru-hike for the summer 2013–either solo or with a brother trekker. My initial thoughts are to start mid-late July or early August. However, we can discuss options and interests. If interested, please send an email.

Carl

#2

I also am planning asolo hike…average about 18 miles a day…what is your plan for miles/total time?

Mike

#3

Mike–My initial thoughts for daily mileage is 15-20 so, 18 mi is in the window. Maybe a little more than 20 but that depends on conditions, energy, terrain, etc. Thoughts?

Carl

#4

Sounds about right…terrain can impact things at altitude. What about your supply plans…mail or do you carry for a lot of days at a time (I normally carry for quite a few days…don’t like to leave the trail if I can help it). Maybe this weekend we can get together on the phone.

Mike

#5

I’m doing my initial research (reading forums, anything I can get my hands on) and concurrently forming a concept (in my head). I’ll be putting together a strategy when I get my materials (guide book, data book, maps) from the Colorado Trail Foundation. I’m reading Jackie McDonnell’s "Jogi’s CT Handbook Town Guide & Planning Guide.

I haven’t committed to any plan. But, I think I’ll have to resupply using mail drops–just don’t know where and when yet. I’m guessing resupply at approx 5 days (ave 2 lb food per day x 5 days = 10 lbs food between mail drops.

I am interested in some “zero days” to pick up mail/supplies, clean up, regroup, and hitting the trail.

A concern is the summer storms/lightning above treeline–I’d like to minimize the risk as much as possible (part of my strategy). The plan will address, hike times, camp locations, watering holes, so as to be below treeline before the lighting strikes.

I live at the base of Pikes Peak (14,110 ft) and have hiked the backcountry–storms develop quickly.

Good idea to talk on the phone–I’ll send you an email with my number.

Carl

#6

Gentlemen,
I found this online resource to be quite valuable when planning my CT hikes: http://www.pmags.com/colorado-trail-end-to-end-guide-2

Bernard

#7

Bernard,

I have referenced PMAGS–great info. Thanks for covering our backs–just in case.

Carl

Carl

#8

Your concern about summer storms and lightening aabove treeline is wise.

While the first half of the CT from Denver to Salida often rises above treeline (10,000 feet), it is never there for long, so good scheduling and awareness on your part will let you avoid most of the risk.

However, from Salida south, the trail runs for many miles continuously above treeline. You’ll break treeline about 5 miles south of Salida and stay there for 60 miles. Then you get a 25 mile stretch of short amplitudes above and below 10K before starting another 78 miles above treeline. You get another 5 mile run below 10K, then another 60 mile stretch above 10K. Then its all below 10K into Durango.:cheers

Weather awareness and knowing what to do when caught in the open are your best hopes for avoiding trouble. Start early and hike late. Keep a close watch on the clouds, especially between 1 and 5 pm, when most of the storms will hit.

wandering_bob

#9

Hello…
Are you still looking for partners? I am a solo hiker as well and was looking for someone to hike the entire trail with. Let me know. Thanks.

Allie

#10

Allie,

Already have made plans & commitments. You may want to check out Whiteblaze.net and select the “Forums” tab, scroll down and look for the CT. You may want to cover as all bases.

Last summer while on a day hike I met a solo female CT thru-hiker near Harvard Lakes (section west of Buena Vista). She was confident and had past solo hiking experience (AT). However, I understand your concerns. You may want to advertise for another female through hiker–they’re out there. Try Whiteblaze too.

Good Luck.

Carl

#11

Thanks so much for your advice. Enjoy your hike!

Allie

#12

starting around the 4th of july…have 75 days to myself…likely you will catch up with me as I am looking to crawl, explore collegiate west and perhaps Gunnison spur. Hope to meet all of you on here:) errr…out there:)

mike

#13

Robin and I were able to hike the CT in 20 days with only 3 resuplly. very easy from Durango to Denver. Look at trail journals, mapman and robin, and read our journal for details. 13 lbs base weight. It’s a great hike

jim

#14

My younger brother(17, flying in from ohio) and I(Live in Castle Rock) also plan on doing a thru hike this summer. We plan on doing 3 resupplies like you Jim, but are going for 23-26 days. We plan on doing a re-supply in Breck, Salida, and a mail drop in Molas. Plan on starting about the first week of July (depending on how well he acclimates). See ya guys out there.

Michael